If you’ve ever wanted a dessert that tastes like sunshine on a plate, then you’ll love 3 ingredient lemon bars angel food cake. These lemon bars are light, fluffy, tangy, and sweet—all rolled into one easy-to-make recipe. The best part? You only need three ingredients, one bowl, and less than 10 minutes of prep time.
Unlike traditional lemon bars that require a crust, eggs, sugar, and fresh lemons, this recipe is fuss-free. You use a simple boxed angel food cake mix, lemon pie filling, and a dusting of powdered sugar. The result is a bakery-style treat that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or just an everyday sweet craving.
Table of Contents
Why Choose 3 Ingredient Lemon Bars with Angel Food Cake?
The magic of simplicity
With just three ingredients, you get all the flavor of a classic dessert without the work. It’s almost magical how these humble ingredients transform into soft, tangy bars.
Perfect for busy bakers
Don’t have time to whip egg whites or zest lemons? No worries! This recipe is a lifesaver for busy parents, students, or anyone who wants a homemade dessert with minimal effort.
Crowd-pleasing flavor
These bars strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart, making them a hit with adults and kids alike. Serve them at birthdays, baby showers, summer picnics, or holiday parties.
Key Ingredients Explained
Angel food cake mix
This boxed cake mix is the base of your recipe. It creates a light, airy texture that pairs beautifully with the lemon flavor.
Lemon pie filling or lemon curd
This is where the zing comes from. Pie filling gives a sweeter finish, while lemon curd adds more tang and richness. Both work beautifully.
Optional powdered sugar topping
Sprinkling powdered sugar over cooled bars not only adds sweetness but also gives them that classic lemon bar look.
Step-by-Step Recipe for 3 Ingredient Lemon Bars Angel Food Cake
Preparing the batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine 1 box of angel food cake mix with 1 can of lemon pie filling (21 oz).
- Stir until combined—do not overmix, as this can deflate the batter.
Baking instructions
- Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Spread the batter evenly into the pan.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and springy to the touch.
Cooling and cutting tips
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting.
- For clean edges, use a serrated knife or wipe your knife between cuts.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Variations of Lemon Bars
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Try these fun variations:
2 ingredient lemon bars
Skip the powdered sugar and just mix cake mix with lemon pie filling—done in minutes.
Lemon dump cake version
Layer lemon pie filling in a pan, sprinkle yellow cake mix on top, and drizzle with melted butter. Bake until golden and bubbly.
Adding condensed milk for creaminess
Mix in sweetened condensed milk for a creamier texture that resembles lemon cheesecake bars.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Overmixing the batter
Stir until combined, but don’t whip. Overmixing can flatten your bars.
Undercooking or overbaking
Check with a toothpick. It should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Cutting before cooling
Patience is key! Cutting too early makes the bars fall apart. Let them cool for at least an hour.
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Bars
Best pan size
Use a 9×13-inch dish for even baking.
Lining with parchment paper
This makes removal and cleanup a breeze.
Achieving the right texture
Bake a few minutes longer for cake-like bars, or pull them out slightly early for gooey, custardy bars.
Can You Use Lemon Pie Filling for Lemon Bars?
Yes—you absolutely can!
Difference between lemon curd and pie filling
- Lemon pie filling = sweet, custard-like texture.
- Lemon curd = tangier and richer flavor.
Substitutions that work
If you don’t have pie filling, lemon curd or homemade custard works just as well.
Nutritional Breakdown of 3 Ingredient Lemon Bars
While not exactly diet food, these bars are lighter than most desserts.
Calories per serving
Each bar has roughly 120–150 calories, depending on size and toppings.
Weight Watchers-friendly option
Since angel food cake is naturally lower in fat, these bars can be a smart choice for Weight Watchers and calorie-conscious eaters.
Storage and Freezing Guide
Storing at room temperature
Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration tips
Refrigerate for 5 days to keep them fresh.
Freezer-friendly method
Freeze cooled bars (wrapped in plastic and foil) for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
Pairing Lemon Bars with Other Treats
Summer desserts combo
Serve alongside fresh berries, fruit salad, or vanilla ice cream.
Beverages that match
- Sweet iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing combo.
- Coffee or espresso to balance the tang.
- Sparkling water with lemon slices for a light option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do you make two-ingredient lemon angel bars?
Mix 1 angel food cake mix and 1 can of lemon pie filling. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes. Done!
2. What are the ingredients in easy lemon cake 4?
Typically: lemon cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, and oil. The 3-ingredient version uses angel food cake mix instead.
3. How do I make my angel bars more fluffy?
Don’t overmix, bake immediately after mixing, and allow them to cool before slicing.
4. Can I use lemon pie filling for lemon bars?
Yes, lemon pie filling gives a sweeter, softer bar. Lemon curd works too if you want more tang.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just swap in a gluten-free angel food cake mix and pair it with gluten-free lemon filling.
6. How long do lemon bars last?
They last 2 days at room temperature, 5 days in the fridge, and 2 months in the freezer.
Conclusion
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s simple, quick, and guaranteed to impress, then 3 ingredient lemon bars angel food cake is the answer. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, these bars are perfect for family gatherings, parties, or just a weekday treat.
Light, tangy, and sweet—this recipe proves that sometimes less really is more. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite go-to dessert.
3 Ingredient Lemon Bars (Angel Food Cake)
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Oven
- Serrated knife
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1 box Angel food cake mix Typically 15–16 oz; dry mix only
- 21 oz Lemon pie filling One standard can; lemon curd also works
- 2 Tbsp Powdered sugar Optional, for dusting after cooling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease.
- In a large bowl, combine 1 box angel food cake mix and 1 (21 oz) can lemon pie filling. Stir just until evenly combined—do not overmix.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and springs back lightly when touched.
- Cool completely in the pan (about 60 minutes). Lift out, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and slice into 16 bars with a serrated knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges.